Wednesday, May 6, 2026
The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) celebrated the start of the handover process for the building that will house the space dedicated to the work of Jean Paul Riopelle.
The event brought together the key stakeholders in this historic project: the Government of Québec, the City of Québec, the Fondation du MNBAQ, the Audain Foundation, the Pierre Lassonde Family Foundation, and Yseult Riopelle, as well as France Chrétien Desmarais and André Desmarais (in absentia).
Two years after the groundbreaking ceremony for one of Québec’s most significant cultural projects, the building was symbolically handed over to Christine Fréchette, Premier of Québec, and Jean-Luc Murray, Director General of the MNBAQ, by the project’s general contractor, Tisseur (the result of a merger between Tisseur and CONCREA), represented by its president, Yannick Tisseur.
The ceremony took place in the central hall of the Espace Riopelle – Pavillon Michael Audain, under the impressive 17-metre-high wooden ceiling.
“It is a great joy to welcome the first phase of this building, dedicated to showcasing the work of Jean Paul Riopelle, one of the most distinguished Quebec artists on the national and international scene. This is the result of a significant investment by our government and the expertise of local companies, this iconic venue, located in the heart of the nation’s capital, will benefit all Quebecers and contribute to the global reach of our culture,” said Christine Fréchette, Premier of Quebec.
The Espace Riopelle – Pavillon Michael Audain is the major legacy of the Jean Paul Riopelle Centenary Celebrations. This event marks an important milestone towards the completion of an exceptional location designed to preserve and promote the legacy of this outstanding Québec artist.
Since work began in May 2024, the team from the general contractor, Tisseur, has been constructing the steel, wood, and concrete framework that will give shape to the future space.
The Musée has already taken possession of several areas. Its teams have been hard at work in the storerooms and some of the exhibition rooms. The next steps include preparing the surfaces for displaying the art, setting up the reception and service areas, and completing the outdoor landscaping to welcome visitors this fall.
“With its distinctive architecture, exceptional location, and high-quality museology, the Espace Riopelle will pay fitting tribute to Jean Paul Riopelle, a giant of the local and international art world. Drawing inspiration from the boldness and intensity of the artist’s work, it will offer visitors a unique and memorable sensory and emotional experience,” said Jean-Luc Murray, Director General of the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec.
As the operator and owner, the Musée will finalize preparations for the official opening of the Espace Riopelle – Pavillon Michael Audain in October. Every effort will be made to offer visitors a unique and memorable museum experience.
“As a Québec company, Tisseur is honoured to have brought this iconic building to life. Just as Jean Paul Riopelle’s important oeuvre has stood the test of time, this project is sure to be one that our team will be proud of for decades to come. I want to thank the 300 people whose commitment and professionalism helped bring this major project to life, and the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec for their trust,” said Yannick Tisseur, president of Tisseur.
Designed by the Québec-based firm Les architectes fabg, the Espace Riopelle – Pavillon Michael Audain will offer visitors breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and the Plains of Abraham. Its sleek interior, plentiful windows, and terraces will create an unprecedented dialogue between art and nature, from which Riopelle drew endless inspiration. The new three-storey building in the heart of the museum complex will house the world’s largest public collection of Riopelle’s works.
With a budget of $84 million, the Espace Riopelle is the result of an unparalleled collaboration between the government and philanthropic organizations. Through the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications, the Government of Québec has invested $44 million in this project. The City of Québec has also contributed generously, awarding a $5 million grant to create a room for Tribute to Rosa Luxemburg (1992).
Featured image: (L to R) Julie-Anne Vien, Chair of the Fondation du MNBAQ’s Board of Directors; Michael Audain, Chair of the Audain Foundation; Christiane Germain, Chair of the MNBAQ’s Board of Directors; Mathieu Lacombe, Québec’s Minister of Culture and Communications; Christine Fréchette, Premier of Québec; Jean-François Simard, Québec’s Minister of Employment and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale Region; Jean-Luc Murray, Director General of the MNBAQ; Bruno Marchand, Mayor of Québec City; and Yannick Tisseur, President of Tisseur // Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. (Stéphane Bourgeois/CNW Group/Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec)
